Quick answer: Virginia saltmarsh mallow (Kosteletzkya pentacarpos) is native to 11 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Consultaplantas, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | High |
| Soil | Sand (tolerates clay), moderately salt-tolerant, high acidity preferred |
| Bloom | Jun-Oct |
| Height | 4-6 ft (to 10 ft) |
| Wildlife value | Attracts butterflies/hummingbirds |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Virginia saltmarsh mallow
Where is Virginia saltmarsh mallow native?
Virginia saltmarsh mallow (Kosteletzkya pentacarpos) is native to 11 states across the Northeast and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Virginia saltmarsh mallow bloom?
Virginia saltmarsh mallow blooms Jun-Oct. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Virginia saltmarsh mallow need?
Light: Sun. Water: High. Soil: Sand (tolerates clay), moderately salt-tolerant, high acidity preferred. Mature height: 4-6 ft (to 10 ft).
Is Virginia saltmarsh mallow good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies/hummingbirds.
Where can I buy Virginia saltmarsh mallow?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Kosteletzkya pentacarpos by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Virginia saltmarsh mallow.
- Seaside goldenrod Solidago sempervirens
- Virginia sweetspire Itea virginica
- Inkberry Ilex glabra
- Mountain azalea Rhododendron canescens
- Threadleaf coreopsis Coreopsis verticillata
- Dwarf palmetto Sabal minor
Also listed under
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